Abstract: Eighty-four survey responses from the AACSB-accredited academic institutions and 110 from Fortune 500 companies are compared to determine how software copying policies differ between the two groups. Approximately 85% of the university respondents have set policies covering software copying while 90% of the companies report some policies. The methods of enforcing the policies, if any, are also compared as are the differences in responsibilities for setting the policies. The techniques used to inform users of these polices are also compared with most users informed at software installation time, in software classes, or through periodic memos and newsletters. The enforcement of these policies among students, faculty, and corporate employees are contrasted as are the actions taken when the policies are not followed. The most common technique for policy enforcement is through internal audits or an honor system. These actions range from written or oral warnings to termination; from removing the copied software to purchasing a copy of the software. The current methods of preventing software copying are analyzed and overall recommendations for handling the problem are made.

Keywords: Software, Pirating, Legal issues, Information center

Download this article: JISEv2n4p2.pdf

Recommended Citation: Athey, S. (1990). A Comparison of the Fortune 500 and AACSB-Accredited Universities' Software Copying Policies. Journal of Information Systems Education, 2(4), 2-11.